Unravelling aqueous electrolyte formulations through chemometric approaches

To move closer to comprehension and optimization, as well as reproducibility and stability, of aqueous dye sensitized solar cells (DSSC) at a lab-scale and industrial level, we propose a chemometric design of experiments (DoE) approach. Water-based electrolytes look like one of the best solution providing reduced costs, non-flammability, better stability, and environmental compatibility. Moreover, the possibility of gelling the liquid solvent into a polymeric matrix can reduce the electrolyte leakage outside the device, increasing the long-term stability. In this contribution, the investigation of the relevant experimental parameters concerning iodine/cobalt-based 100% aqueous electrolytes is presented by a DoE approach. Finally, the gelation of aqueous electrolytes with bio-derived polymers is presented, leading to lab-scale devices stable for several months, thanks to the statistically optimized preparation conditions and engineered formulation technology.